Aw. It is so sad to leave here – but it is time. We’ve had a blast, and we’re ever so glad we kept these reservations and came, even though the original plans were to sail out of Civitavecchia – which is why we even bothered to book Orvieto. But, hey, plans. If they don’t get changed, it would not be the new normal.
At any rate, it was wonderful, and now we are off to Greece to begin the final leg of our adventures. We’re packed up and ready to hit the road, our strategy being to go and get the car, then come and load the suitcase and be on our way. Works like a dream – we were even able to double park right before the apartment for me to run and get the bag. Love it when a plan comes together!
The drive is uneventful, arriving at the airport in plenty of time to turn in the car and hike to the terminal. Check in a breeze. All is well and we have plenty of time for the lounge before our 1pm flight to Athens. The flight is noneventful too – thankfully. We are treated to gorgeous views out over the Mediterranean sea as we near land…
…then we’re through passport control (THEY checked our documentation, thank you very much!), into baggage claim and out into our Welcome Pickup car in no time at all. We have a lovely driver, Ennika, who recommends Jimmy the Fish (actually Jimmy’s Fish – but she says Jimmy the Fish) for our anniversary dinner tomorrow night and chit chats with us the entire way into Piraeus, dropping us off right at the doorway to our apartment in the Maryflower apartments.
We’ve already got the access codes, so we just let ourselves into the building, drag our bags up the long flight of stairs to the first floor where there is an elevator, then gratefully take that to the 2nd floor where our apartment is located. It’s a lovely space, huge living area, nice big round dining table, good kitchen and huge, nicely appointed bathroom with a walk in shower. As we are exploring, our host (whose name we can’t recall) comes in all apologetic about not being there to meet us at the front door! Oh. Were we supposed to wait? We had no clue – and weren’t put out by it at all – except for help with the bags coming up the stairs, that is. Oh well.
He is a lovely, sweet guy, giving us tons of information, and a tour of the building. The only negative here is that there is no private balcony off the apartment, but a huge shared patio on the top floor. Our host takes us up there, shows us the laundry machines that we are free to use, and then, when he finds out we’re going on a cruise comes back with an “amenity” kit he says we’ll absolutely need. How sweet is that? He also gives us more restaurant recommendations, turning up his nose at Jimmy’s Fish because it is so expensive – and he knows a better place that is more local and cheaper. Ok – we’ll take that too. When we ask him about the location of a mini-mart to get some supplies, he not only tells us where it is, but walks us down the street to it. Really great guy – and always available too by text (or whatsapp actually). This will be a nice stay.
So, shopping done (I actually found a decent Greek wine! Not the same one as on the plane – which I took a picture of to remember the long complicated name – but a different brand that is equally palatable. I’m happy and relieved!), we repair to rooftop patio for an evening beverage, then back to the apartment for a light meal before hitting the hay.
Andiamo 